Fernandes 2:3 Green Briar O30's
Tropical storm Lee was dumping plenty of moisture on New England while the Over 30's made the long 60 mile trek to New Bedford to get their Division 4 Fall campaign under way.
The conditions were reminiscent of a game day back home with ankle deep puddles spread throughout the field and a real risk of injury. The official was happy to get proceedings going despite the quagmire underfoot.
The opening minutes of the game were borderline comical as the players adjusted their game to the wet conditions. As things began to take shape, it was clear the Briar was in the ascendancy. Wingers Kevin O'Donnell and John Flannery were finding space but were unable to find the killer cross to unlock the defense.
O'Connor and Graham up front had a few half chances but were unable to convert due to bad touches and the pitch interfering with the ball. At the other end Fernandes would strike first against the run of play.
A loose ball in the box was seized upon by an unmarked attacker and his shot deflected wide of Paul Fallon in goal and skipped into the far side of the net.
In response the Greens won a string of corners, but again our delivery was subpar as concentration levels waned. On the 30 minute mark a set piece would come right however.
A corner from the left hand side was delivered invitingly to the edge of the 6 yard box. John Hickey powered his way to the ball and dispatched a beautiful downward header which found the net through the 5 hole of the goalkeeper.
All square at the half, Gary Keane was confident his side would grow in the game and take the away win. But things would get worse before they got better for the Briar.
Complacency at the back cost us another goal early in the second half. A Fernandes attacker carried the ball from midfield into the box and went down under the challenge. As the referee waved play on there was a moment of hesitancy from the Briar players. Knowing the conditions, the defense should have cleared their lines sooner. A Fernandes player stole the ball and slotted home from close range under the advancing Paul Fallon.
To make matters worse the Briar would go down to 10 men soon after. Leo O'Connor became involved with an opponent and the referee inexplicably issued a straight red card, citing O'Connor as the instigator in the incident.
Under the proverbial "Cosh", the players needed all their endeavour to get back into the contest. The equalizer came in quick order.
Connor Hannick delivered a dangerous free kick from halfway to the edge of the box. The ball was first challenged and then helped goal ward by Michael Graham. Leo O'Connor found space and remained on-side at the 6 yard box. With his back slightly towards goal he helped the ball on with his head. The goalkeeper made the stop but was unable to hold on. John Flannery pounced on the spilled rebound and blasted home from 3 yards.
The Greens were feeling confident at this stage, even with a man down they were creating chances and remaining solid at the back.
The winner was fashioned from a mistake by the Fernandes defense. A defender lost control of the ball when getting bogged down in one of the numerous puddles. Michael Graham reacted quickest and pushed the ball down the right wing into space. Chasing his own ball, he got there first and played a centering ball into the box. Kevin O'Donnell controlled the ball on the penalty spot and shaped a beautifully curling shot into the right corner of the net, a superb finish.
The Briar saw out the remaining minutes of the game without conceding, withstanding a few corners and all the pressure Fernandes could deal at the defense. A valuable 3 points away from home and hopefully the start of a good run for the Fall.
Line Up: Fallon, Glynn(YC), Concagh, Hannick, McElwain(c), Flannery, Hall, Hickey, O'Donnell, Graham, O'Connor(RC), Kelly, Nassar
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